Q: Does green building cost more than conventional building?

Planning and design efforts for a green building will be somewhat more costly than such efforts for a conventional building. The additional thought that goes into integrated design will produce a building that costs no more to construct than a conventional building. Further, a green building will save operating dollars - often between 30 and 50 percent - compared to a conventional building. These savings, of course, occur through the life of the building.

Q: What is a sustainable community?

A SuCoDev community fits into the existing structure of a small town or urban place. It takes advantage of existing infrastructure, such as streets, utilities, and community services. A SuCoDev community may provide a number of important benefits to its residents:

Community services within walking distance, to decrease dependence on automobiles.

Very high energy efficiency.

Healthful, enjoyable interior spaces.

Areas for interaction among community members.

Q: What is Green Building?

Green building:

Offers high energy efficiency,

Uses resources carefully, and

Provides healthful interior spaces.

Green buildings are achieved through an integrated design and construction process in which the interactions of all of the building systems - and interactions of occupants and the building - are studied and optimized.